Mau Marathon : A Run for Restoration, Livelihoods, and Climate Action
By Shadrack Mutai | NAIROBI,
The second edition of the Mau Marathon launch is set to take place on , 4th May, bringing together athletes, communities, partners, and conservation champions in a unified effort to restore the Mau Complex.
According to Eng. Festus Ngeno, PS Environment & Climate Change and Patron of MFC-ICLIP, the initiative goes far beyond sport, positioning itself as a strategic platform for environmental restoration and community empowerment.
“Mau is not just a forest; it is a strategic water tower that sustains life, rivers, agriculture, and ecosystems far beyond its boundaries. Its protection is a national priority,” Eng. Ngeno said. This year’s marathon will feature both 42KM and 21KM races for men and women, with prize money set at KSh 600,000 for winners of the full marathon and KSh 350,000 for the half marathon, alongside additional awards for other top finishers.
Beyond competition, the event is designed to raise funds for tree seedlings, which will be sourced directly from local communities, ensuring that conservation efforts also support household incomes.
Eng. Ngeno emphasized that the broader Mau restoration programme is focused on both ecological recovery and economic transformation. “Our conservation efforts are not only about planting trees, but also restoring livelihoods, securing water sources, and building a sustainable future for communities living within the Mau Complex,” he noted.
The programme is also advancing fruit tree planting in schools, promoting avocado farming as a high-value “dollar crop,” and supporting farmers through milk coolers and clean energy alternatives such as biogas and rural electrification.
“The Mau Marathon is more than a sporting event; it is a platform for environmental restoration, community empowerment, and resource mobilization for long-term ecological recovery,” he added. With support from partners, champions, and local communities across Molo, Njoro, Kuresoi North, and Kuresoi South, the initiative is steadily building momentum as a model of community-driven conservation.
“We are calling on partners and stakeholders to come on board. Every contribution brings us closer to restoring the Mau ecosystem and securing water towers that sustain millions of people downstream,” Eng. Ngeno said. As preparations intensify, the Mau Marathon is emerging not just as a race, but as a powerful symbol of climate action, resilience, and shared responsibility for future generations.
